Movie:
The Object of My Affection, originally released theatrically in 1998, was directed by Nicholas Hytner. Starring in the film are Jennifer Aniston (Nina) and Paul Rudd (George), with Tim Daly (Joley), Nigel Hawthorne (Rodney), John Pankow (Vince), Steve Zahn (Frank), Alan Alda (Sidney), and Allison Janney (Constance) in supporting roles.

George, a first grade teacher, finds out his relationship to Joley is over at a dinner party from Nina, a woman he just met who works at a community center. She tells him if something happens, she has a spare room he can use for awhile until he gets back on his feet. Sure enough, the two break up and George finds himself living with Nina. Nina, however, is in a relationship with Vince, who feels George is coming between them. When Nina discovers she's pregnant with Vince's child, she asks George if he could raise the baby with her, as she feels Vince isn't right for her. George accepts, forcing the two to re-examine the importance of sex and the line between friendship and love.

If Object of My Affection does one thing right, it's that it portrays relationships that could actually happen "in the real world" in a more realistic way than most romantic comedies. Aniston and Rudd have a great chemistry and both give terrific performances that make you want them to fall in love. Hawthorne, as a film critic, nearly steals the film from the leads and delivers the key line in the film. Zahn, in an early role, is both likeable and humorous. However, the film is too predictable at times, and the two endings (one in the present, followed by an epilogue years later) don't completely mesh.

Picture:
The Object of My Affection is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and is enhanced for widescreen TVs. The transfer is sharp and clean with very few flaws, though it does seem a bit too soft occasionally. There are specks throughout that appear infrequently, as does some light grain. Colors are bold and vivid throughout, with natural flesh tones and solid blacks.

Sound:
The Object of My Affection is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 in English and Dolby 2.0 Surround in English and French. As with many dialogue driven films, the sound in the 5.1 track is mainly anchored to the front channels, with the rears providing ambient noise. Surrounds are infrequent throughout the picture as well. The score, while a bit sappy, sounds great and employs some minor directionality. Dialogue throughout is crisp and clean with no distortion. Optional subtitles are available in English and Spanish.

Extras:
Extras include a four-minute featurette, four TV spots, and trailers for this film, The Brothers McMullen, Drive Me Crazy, Picture Perfect, and Simply Irresistible.

Summary:
Despite a few shortcomings with the story, The Object of My Affection is a decent romantic comedy that makes a great rental, especially if you're a fan of the actors involved. Fans of the film will find the DVD worth a purchase, as Fox has provided the film with a great presentation and a few extras for a decent MSRP. Rent it.